Wrecking device



D. D. WILLIAMS WRECKING DEVICE March 7, 1933.

Filed Nov. 5, 1951 Patented Mar. 7, r 1933 I ruit ra ice I DJ'ALMA D. WILLIAMS, OF DALLAS, TEXAS, ASSIGNOR TO CHICAGO BRIDGE AND IRON COMPANY, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A CORPORATION OF ILLINOIS WRECKING nnvron Application filed November 5,1931. Serial No. 573,211.

This invention relates to improvements in awrecking device and, more especia1ly,such a device adapted for assisting in removing steel plates and the like from steel structures, for example, oil tanks, water tanks, and the like. The device referred to is sometimes termed a mokum.

One of the features of my invention is the provision of a device of the character re ferred to that is cheap to make and simple and efficient in operation.

For the purpose of illustrating my invention I have here shown the same as exemplitied in a device adapted for use in connection with the removal of plates of a riveted steel tank. Such tanks are frequently made of large rectangular plates curved to form a cylindrical wall and riveted together in horizontal rows. of these plates, the rivets are cut or otherwise loosened and the plates must then be temporarily supported before being lowered. By the use of my device, this may be accomplished with maximum of ease and safety.

Other features and advantages of my invention will appear more fully as I proceed with my specification.

In that form of device embodying the features of my invention shown in the accompanying drawing Figure 1 is a view in side elevation and Fig. 2 is a view taken as indicated by the line 2 of Fig. 1.

As shown in the drawing, 10, 10 and 10 may indicate the steel plates of a cylindrical tank that is being wrecked or dismantled. It may be assumed that the plates 1O are at the top and the ones next to be removed from the structure. The rivets from the holes 11, 11 have been removed and the rivet 12 is still in place. I

The wrecking device includes a hook 13 adapted to be placed over the upper edge of the plate 10. This hook carries a stiffening member 14 to which are attached two angle irons 15 and 15 serving as braces to keep the plate 1O from falling inwardly when it is removed. It is to be understood that two or more of the wrecking devices may be em- I ployed, if desired. Between the brace and In connection with the removal the hook is arranged an adjustable support 16, here shown as an inverted U-shaped member, slidably mounted over the edge 14 of the member 14 and provided with a pin 17 extending through the slot 16 in the member 14. The heads on the pin 17 are indicated by 17, 17. The lower ends of the supportshoulders 16 engaged by the adj ustmgscrews 18 threaded through the ears or lugs 19 carried by the member 14. The adjusting screws 18 may be turned to adjust the support 16 to the correct height.

In the use of the device, the hook 13 is placed over the upper edge of the plate 10 and the support 16 arranged under the lower 111g member 16 are bent outwardly to form edge of the plate 1O being removed. The

support 16 is adjusted to the correct height to support the plate. The plate when removed will therefore rest on the support 16 and is prevented from falling inwardly by the braces 15 back of the hook.

To assist in its use, the device is provided with handles 20 and 21, as shown.

While I have shown and described certain embodiments of my invention, it is to be understood that it is capable of many modificak tions. Changes, therefore, in the construction and arrangement may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as disclosed in the appended claims,

in which it is my intention to claim all nov. elty inherent in my invention as broadly as.

permissible'in view of the prior art.

What I regard as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. A device of the character described, including; a hook; a brace back of the hook and carried thereby, said brace being spaced from the hook and extending in a direction generally parallel to and above the hook; and a support between the hook and the brace.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1, in which the support is vertically adjustable.

3. A device of the character described, including; astiifening member; a hook carried by the forward edge of the stiffening member; a brace attached to said stiffening member back of the hook, said brace being spaced from the hook and extending in a direction generally parallel to and above the hook; and a support 011 the stiffening member between the hook and the brace.

4. A device as claimed in claim 3, in which the support is Vertically adjustable on the stiffening member.

In Witness whereof, I have'hereunto set my hand this 23rd day of October, 1931.

DJ ALMA D. WILLIAMS. 

